Dental Implants are a tremendously successful mechanism for replacing missing or badly damaged teeth. They are however costly, and also require a specialist dentist called an implantologist or prosthodontist. Particularly because of the costs involved, implants are one of the most commonly sought treatments by Dental Tourists.
A dental implant is normally a titanium screw that is implanted into the jaw bone to replace the old root. A natural looking crown is then attached to perfectly replicate the missing tooth. Unlike bridgework, implants do not affect the surrounding teeth. Integrated into the jaw, they avoid gum problems and bone loss that can accompany a bridge or dentures.
There is also an alternative use of the implanted screws that allows dentures to be secured permanently to the jaw, thus preventing any accidental movement and improving their overall function.
You might need dental implants if you are missing one or several teeth. Things to watch out for are:
Your jaw may not be suited to implants and a bone graft may be required
The implantation procedure requires unique skills and there are dramatically different levels of training - everything from a weekend to 3 years. Check to see that your dentist has the necessary qualifications
Implants should not be used if your bone growth is not complete
If you are smoker or are taking immune-suppressants the success rate for implants decreases
Ask your dentist what there 5 year success rate is - it should be about 95% for the lower jaw and 90% for the upper jaw
Implants can be placed either at the time of removal of the old tooth or at any time afterwards: the process is quicker if they are placed immediately after removal. Typically this is performed under a local anaesthetic.
The gum and jaw are prepared, creating an opening for the titanium screw. The screw is secured in place and then the gum is stitched over allowing the area to heal. Titanium has unique properties that allow it to integrate naturally with bone.
Over a period of three to six months the titanium and bone merge to form a very strong bed on which a crown or cap can be placed. This period before a final crown is placed can be shortened dramatically if the implant is placed at the time of extraction, to the extent that sometimes a crown can be fitted at the same time as the titanium screw is attached.
There are about 50 different types of implants and the particular type chosen by your dentist will depend on a variety of factors, including their training, their equipment, their stock, your bone density and width of jaw.
There is one other major category of implant, called blade or narrow. These are typically used when the patient's jaw will not support normal implants.
One very important factor in pricing dental implants is that an implant is simply the titanium screw that attaches to the jaw bone. In order for a tooth to be replaced this implant needs a crown. When pricing dental implants, make sure the price includes the price of the required crowns. Things to look out for are:
The Dentist selected to perform the procedure
The type of implant being used
The location of the implant
The number of implants
The type of crown required
Price lists should always be viewed with caution as many factors can increase or decrease the resulting price. Here is a rough price comparison based on the average prices for implants around the world:
USA: $3000 / EUR2000 / £1500
UK: $4000 / EUR2700 / £2000
Hungary: $1600 / EUR1070 / £800
Poland: $800 / EUR600 / £400
Belgium: $3690 / EUR2790 / £1845
Mexico: $1500 / EUR1000 / £750
Costa Rica: $1200 / EUR900 / £600
Thailand: $1200 / EUR900 / £600
Dental implants offer a strong and lasting solution to damaged or missing teeth, and are often the most aesthetically pleasing option too. As with any dental procedure you should always consult with your own dentist before deciding on any given dental treatment.
To find out more please visit RevaHealth.com.